AnkiDroid - spaced repetition memorization

Azazzell · May 2023

Lately I've been trying AnkiDroid spaced repetition to memorize chord charts:

Gypsy Jazz Chord Charts-20240517180601.zip

Buco · May 2023

How is it working for you?

billyshakes · May 2023

Interesting. I have used spaced repetition for foreign language vocabulary learning and also taught it to prospective grad students for GRE vocab prep. However, I never thought about using it for chord progressions. But, it makes sense and I guess I've unintentionally done it by adding it to my intermittent practice routine. Thanks for sharing.

Azazzell · May 2023

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/114566#Comment_114566

Made me realize how much I rely on muscle memory when playing rhythm, instead of consciously thinking of the chords.
I really like the fact that you can use the full power of a desktop computer to make the cards (with MP3s, screenshots, PDFs), and then just sync them to the phone for review on the go. Stuff like:

Question: Danse Norvegienne chords ?

Answer:

I find it to be a good use of the 'wasted small times' like waiting in a long line at a cashier, or waiting for the kids to get in the car.

Buco · June 2023

Does it break down a chart somehow?

When I'm learning a new song, I'm looking at the chords movements, how they relate and try to remember them in sections, 2/5s and what not.

For example, in the Danse Norvegienne I'm thinking 1 going to ø2 twice (I usually play Eø) then 1625 (in the key) then minor 251 to Em, to 5 (of the root) twice, root going to 51 of G to Gm and lastly another 1625 back to 1. But when I play it it's all "muscle memory", nothing wrong with that, I don't think.

Rip · June 2023

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/114579#Comment_114579

I like to memorize melodies like this. For example, if I’m playing all of me, for the first 3 notes, I just think 1,5, 3. Then it doesn’t matter what key you’re in, giving you more freedom. It also makes it easier to play the melody at any place on the fretboard. In general, it’s like a numerical reduction. The more you can reduce the numerical succession, the easier it is to remember. Also, harmonic reduction, for example, a 1 chord is the same as a 6min, a 4 is the same as a 2min a 5maj is the same as a 3 min. Now you really only have 3 chords to deal with.

Buco · June 2023

Deeper exploration of that is awaiting me at some point.

To tie the two together, what helps me memorize the chords charts is this...melody itself can guide me through the chart. Well, first I do what I described in the earlier post. But at some point, after doing this for a while, you just know what chord to play just by knowing and hearing the melody in your head. Now, sometimes I can't recall the melody on the spot for some songs that aren't as common and I'm unsure of the chords. So I figure out where the melody sits as relating to the key. Just a first few notes. Like the All Of Me example you showed @Rip . And usually if I remember where the melody starts, after playing those first few notes, the chords will start to flow.